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Medicine
Selection Procedure and Policy for the Faculty of Medicine, BM4, BM5 and BM6 Programmes,
University of Southampton 2020 Entry or 2021 Deferred Entry
Section One - Introduction and Aims of the Policy
1.1 The Selection Procedure and Policy for the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Southampton ( Entry or 2021 Deferred Entry) is designed to assist applicants through the selection process for the Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery programmes. Applicants are advised that they should read the policy, and the University of Southampton Admissions Policy, before making their application. In addition, the Faculty of Medicine website provides current information and a prospectus for the BMBS programmes at http://www.southampton.ac.uk/medicine
1.2 The Selection Procedure and Policy applies to all applications for the three Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery programmes known as BM Four-Year Graduate Entry Programme (A101), BM Five- Year programme (A100) and BM Six-Year Widening Access Programme (A102).
1.3 The aims of the Selection Procedure and Policy of the Faculty of Medicine are to:
- Select students who have the motivation to succeed in undergraduate and postgraduate medicine
- Select students who have the academic ability to be successful in the course and thrive in their future medical careers
- Work towards more flexible entry requirements in line with University, General Medical Council (GMC) and Medical Schools Council recommendations in order to widen participation and ensure diversity
- Select students who have the non-academic attributes that are necessary in members of the medical profession
- Provide equality of opportunity to all applicants and to operate a system which is free from unfair discrimination
Section Two – General Information
UCAS Information
2.1 Only applicants who apply through the University and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) will be considered for admission.
2.2 Applicants who wish to apply for deferred entry (for no more than one year) should do so at the time of application. Requests to alter the year of entry later during the selection cycle must be made in writing before confirmation in August and may not always be permitted. The conditions of any offer would have to be met in the admissions cycle in which the offer is made and by any deadlines associated with that cycle.
2.3 Applications will only be considered if received by UCAS on or before the deadline for applications to Medicine of 15 October 2019. In addition, we will only consider applications where the applicant selected the University of Southampton by the 15 October 2019; we will not consider applicants who applied to UCAS by 15 October 2019 but later decide to swap one of their choices to the University of Southampton. Due to the high level of demand, applications received after this date will not be considered, unless there are significant extenuating circumstances. These must be submitted in writing to the Faculty of Medicine. The Faculty of Medicine will endeavour to process every application as quickly as possible although applicants are reminded that the selection process is extensive and therefore responses may be delayed at times.
2.4 Applications received by the deadline should be accurate and complete, including references and qualification information; references will not be accepted separately to the UCAS form. Applicants should review the entry requirements of the Faculty of Medicine before submitting an application and the Faculty considers it the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that they have completed all of the required information by the closing date for Medicine applications. Any applications considered incomplete will be rejected. The Faculty reserves the right to reject any application where inaccurate information has been submitted. Eligibility Forms relating to the BM6 programme, which are issued after application submission, should also be accurate and complete; it is again considered to be the responsibility of the applicant to ensure they have completed all of the required information by the deadline given. Any Eligibility Form considered to be incomplete or not submitted by the deadline will result in an unsuccessful application.
2.5 In line with instructions from the Medical Schools Council, applicants are permitted to make only four out of the five possible choices of institution on their UCAS application to medicine programmes. Applicants who apply to more than four choices for medicine will have their application returned to them by UCAS.
Feedback
2.6 Competition for a place to study medicine nationally is intense and it is often very difficult for high achieving students to understand why they have not been offered a place. The majority of applicants to our programmes have extremely high academic grades. This makes the role of universities, when selecting applicants to study medicine, very challenging. If rejected for one of our programmes, applicants are asked to review their application, and reflect upon their performance at the Selection Day, where appropriate, to determine any areas of weakness. Due to the large volume of applications received, it is not possible to give reasons why an individual application was unsuccessful.
The selection process for the BM5, BM4 and BM6 programmes will be overseen by the Admissions Team Leader for the Faculty of Medicine
3.1 The recruitment and selection cycle for 2020/21 for BMBS applicants will be as follows:
June – October 2019
Potential applicants contact the Faculty of Medicine’s Recruitment and Admissions Office for information on the BMBS programmes.
July September and October 2019
University of Southampton Open Days take place – Information online at: http://www.southampton.ac.uk/about/visit/open-days.page
July – October 2019 Applicants for all BMBS programmes take the UCAT
15 October 2019 Deadline for applications
November 2019 UCAT provides Faculty with UCAT scores
September 2019
BM6 applications screened to ensure applicants meet eligibility criteria and academic entry requirements
November 2019– February 2020
Applicants selected for Selection Days
December 2019 – March 2020
Selection Days take place for BM4, BM5 and BM6 applicants
January – March 2020 Decisions made for BM4, BM5 and BM6 applications
Disclaimer – this calendar of events is provisional and may, be subject to change.
3.2 All applicants are selected with the aim that they will be able to fulfil the duties of a doctor as stated by the GMC in their document ‘Good Medical Practice’ (available at http://www.gmc- uk.org/guidance/good_medical_practice.asp). In the first instance, an applicant will be considered against the academic and non-academic entry criteria for the programme applied to. If a decision is made to offer a place and the applicant has reported a disability/health condition on their UCAS form which may affect their ability to practise medicine and/or may require reasonable adjustments, the application will be referred to the Associate Dean Education. The Associate Dean, or their nominee, may seek further assessment of the applicant from the University of Southampton’s Enabling Services and/or Occupational Health Department, to determine whether the applicant will be fit to achieve all the required learning outcomes of the course. Information regarding disabilities/health conditions may be shared between these parties. Please note that if a candidate declares a specific learning difficulty and they wish to access additional examination requirements, they are required to provide evidence to the University. Further information about what is required can be found here: https://www.southampton.ac.uk/edusupport/disability_support/ways_of_support/index.page?
3.3 Applicants in possession of any prior charges, criminal convictions or cautions must declare this on their UCAS application form; this includes both spent and unspent convictions that are not filtered. Initially Selectors will assess the application on its academic and non-academic criteria. The Recruitment and Admissions Team Leader will follow the University’s procedures for handling applications from students with previous criminal convictions if an applicant is identified for offer and has made a declaration. Further information may be sought from the applicant in line with GMC guidelines around Good medical practice and Professional Values http://www.gmc-uk.org/education/25920.asp
3.4 Students must be a minimum of 18 years when they start our medical degree programmes. Applicants who apply but would be under 18 at the start of the programme will be considered for a deferred place or advised to reapply as appropriate
3.5 The Faculty of Medicine reserves the right to take into consideration any information contained within an applicant’s UCAS application when deciding if an offer of study can be made. Information relating to an applicant’s declared disability will be excluded from this process.
English Language
3.6 In accordance with University of Southampton regulations, students whose first language is not English should offer one of the recognised tests in English Language. The length of time that tests are valid for will be in accordance with the University of Southampton’s Admissions to Degree Regulations. Further details on English language requirements are available from our prospectus at http://www.southampton.ac.uk/medicine
Non-academic criteria
3.7 In addition to academic entry requirements, the selectors will look for evidence of non- academic criteria during the selection process. Applicants must be able to show they:
- Are self -motivated and resilient
- Have reflected on and learnt from life experiences (this may include work experience, paid employment and personal experiences both in and outside health and social care settings)
- Can communicate effectively
- Are able to interact successfully with others
- Can demonstrate an understanding of the values of the NHS Constitution
Academic Criteria
School leaver applicants to BM
3.8 School leaver applicants should offer six GCSEs at grades A/grade 7 or above including, Mathematics and either Science and Additional Science, or Chemistry and Biology, or Combined Science. English Language is accepted at Grade B/Grade 6.
Applicants should offer predicted or actual A level grades of AAA to include A level Chemistry and Biology. In addition, the Science practical must also be passed.
General Studies and Critical Thinking are not accepted.
The BTEC Applied Science is not accepted.
Subjects where there may be considerable overlap of material will not be accepted in combination at A Level (such as combinations of Zoology/Biology; Human Biology/Sports Studies/Physical Education).
Qualifications of an equivalent standard to GCSE and A levels as approved by the University may be acceptable.
Please note that not all applicants will be invited to a Selection Day.
Mature non-graduate applicants are expected to meet both the non-academic and academic entry requirements for the programme.
English Language, Mathematics and either Science and Additional Science or Biology and Chemistry, or Combined Science must be offered to at least a grade C/grade 4 at GCSE.
Mature non-graduate applicants are expected to offer AAA at A Level, to include Chemistry and Biology. In addition, the Science practical must also be passed.
Qualifications of an equivalent standard to GCSE and A levels as approved by the University may be acceptable.
In order to be considered as a mature non-graduate applicant, applicants should be 21 or over by the 15th October 2019.
For mature non graduate applicants we require a full education and work history to be provided, ensuring there are no gaps. Full information will need to be provided via the UCAS application form or with additional information via email to AdmissionsUG.MED@soton.ac.uk alongside the application. Omission of any relevant information may result in an application being deemed unsuccessful.
Please note that not all applicants will be invited for a Selection Day
International applications
3.12 A number of places are available each year for international students. Each international applicant is considered in competition with other international applicants for the limited number of places available.
If an applicant is made an offer as an overseas student, and then changes residential status to a home student, the applicant’s offer may be withdrawn. Equally, if an applicant is made an offer as a home student, and then changes residential status to an overseas student, the applicant’s offer may be withdrawn
As international and home/EU applicants are considered separately, an applicant invited to a Selection Day who changes residential status before attending the day may no longer be eligible to attend as the UCAT score required for invitation may differ between international and home/EU applicants. In these cases the Faculty reserves the right to withdraw any invitation for interview.
Decisions regarding an applicant’s residential status for fee purposes (including applicants who are applying for refugee status) will be made by the University of Southampton’s Central Admissions Office and not by the Faculty of Medicine.
International applicants are not eligible to apply for the BM6 or BM4 programmes.
Please note that not all applicants will be called for a Selection Day
Applications to the BM6 programme
3.13 The BM6 programme has been developed by the Faculty of Medicine to widen participation into the medical profession. Students study for an extra year on a specifically designed Year 0.
In order to be eligible for the programme, applicants should ensure that they fulfil three of the following eligibility criteria:
- First generation applicant to Higher Education
- Parents, guardian or self in receipt of a means tested benefit
- Young people looked after by a Local Authority
- In receipt of 16-19 bursary or similar grant*
- Resident in an area with a postcode which falls within the lowest 20% of the IMD (Index of Multiple Deprivation), or a member of a travelling family.
- In receipt of free school meals at any time during Years 10-13 (normally for a minimum period of at least one school term/2 months.)
*Where an applicant chooses the Free School Meals criterion and the 16-19 bursary criterion, the 16- bursary must be awarded for something other than Free School Meals. For example. Transport costs between home and college, text books/stationery/printing.
Applicants should normally only submit eligibility criteria relating to one postcode/address and this is expected to be the address listed on the UCAS form
The IMD score will be checked and verified by the Faculty of Medicine
Parental/guardian means tested benefits will not normally be considered for mature employed applicants over the age of 21
International applicants, graduate applicants, and students who have previously enrolled on a higher education course are not eligible to apply for the BM6 programme.
Applicants should offer five GCSEs at Grade C/Grade 4 or above, to include English Language, Mathematics and Science and Additional Science, or Chemistry and Biology, or Combined Science
A level grades of BBB including Chemistry and Biology are required. In addition, the Science practical must also be passed.
General Studies and Critical Thinking are not accepted.
The BTEC in Applied Science is not accepted
Subjects where there may be considerable overlap of material will not be accepted in combination (such as combinations of Zoology/Biology; Human Biology/Sports Studies/Physical Education).
Please note that not all applicants will be invited for a Selection Day
Retake Policy
3.14 Applicants who are retaking their A Levels/GCSES/or equivalent qualifications will be considered for our programmes. However, if applicants have retaken the same subjects more than once, these applications will be considered on a case by case basis. If a subject is not retaken the following year but at a later date, these applications will be considered on a case by case basis.
If accepted, the offer would be the same as the standard offer for the appropriate programme.
UCAT results are only valid for applicants in the year in which the test is taken. If your application to medical school is not successful and you re-apply the following year, you will be required to resit the UCAT.
UCAT Test
Candidates who present themselves for their UCAT test are declaring themselves fit to take the test.
Candidates who plan to take the test in the final weeks of testing but fall ill may not be able to reschedule within the test window. UCAT recommend that candidates take the test early in the cycle.
Test Day Problems
Any disruption which impacts a candidate’s performance on the day must be raised with the test centre at the time, in accordance with the process set out on the UCAT website https://www.ucat.ac.uk/ucat/test- day/mitigating-circumstances/ In such circumstances, UCAT may annotate the result provided to the University. We will not consider any other evidence relating to mitigating circumstances where the test has been taken. Each annotation will be assessed on a case by case basis, taking into account the candidate’s overall performance in the test and the severity of the disruption. Adjustments may be made where appropriate and in such cases two selectors will assess the applicant’s whole application. Where the selectors agree to make an adjustment, this will constitute an academic and final decision on the matter. Such a decision cannot be appealed.
Access Arrangements
UCAT offer a number of access arrangements, such as extra testing time and accommodations, for candidates with special educational needs, disabilities or temporary injuries.
Accommodations need to be requested in accordance with the process set out on the UCAT website. Candidates who do not think that their particular needs will be met by the access arrangements on offer should contact UCAT directly within the timeframe specified on their website https://www.ucat.ac.uk/ukcat-test/ukcat-registration/access-arrangements/
Exemptions There are no general exemptions from the UCAT test. Test Centres are available worldwide and we expect overseas applicants to take the test which could mean travelling to another country.
Applicants may be unable to sit their test due to war, civil unrest or natural disaster making travel to test centres unsafe. If this is the case, the applicant should contact us directly, at least 10 working days before registration closes for the UCAT testing cycle, with both supporting evidence and confirmation from UCAT of the inability to accommodate their requirements.
Applicants who do not think that the UCATSEN or special examination arrangements will meet their particular needs should, in the first instance, contact UCAT directly and present supporting evidence. Should UCAT not be able to provide the necessary adjustments, please contact us directly, at least 10 working days before registration closes for the UCAT testing cycle, with both your supporting evidence and confirmation from UCAT of the inability to accommodate your requirements. We will confirm whether or not we will accept your application without a UCAT test result. We will not consider requests received without supporting evidence, without the relevant confirmation from UCAT or if the request is received by us fewer than 10 working days before registration closes for the UCAT testing cycle.
Each exemption request will be assessed on a case by case basis. Adjustments may be made where appropriate and in such cases two selectors will assess the applicant’s whole application. Where the selectors agree to make an adjustment, this will constitute an academic and final decision on the matter. Such a decision cannot be appealed. For further information on the UCAT please visit www.ucat.ac.uk/
Application Stages
3.21 The selection process consists of a number of stages which are outlined below:
BM4 and BM Stage 1 Applicants are ranked by UCAT score.
Stage 2 Applicants pre-screened against academic criteria.
Stage 3 Number of places available at Selection Day set. Candidates meeting the academic criteria, and with an appropriate UCAT score, invited for the number of places set.
Stage 4 Applicants attend Selection Day.
Stage 5 Performance at Selection Days reviewed alongside UCAT score and offers made.
BM
Stage 1 Applicants pre-screened against academic and eligibility criteria.
Stage 2 Number of places available at Selection Day set. Applications will be reviewed by the BM6 Programme Team. Applications meeting the academic criteria and eligibility criteria will be assessed against the non-academic criteria to determine who will be invited to Selection.
(If number meeting the criteria exceeds Selection Day places, applications, alongside responses to questions the applicant has been asked to provide, are reviewed by BM6 Programme Team).
Stage 3 Applicants attend Selection Day.
Stage 4 Scores from Selection Days compiled and decisions made.
Please note that not all applicants will be invited for a Selection Day
Offers
3.22 All offers made to applicants will be conditional upon applicants achieving and providing suitable evidence of their qualifications. Continued registration on the course is conditional upon the completion of satisfactory health and enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service screening. Health screening will be undertaken in confidence by staff in the Occupational Health Department at Southampton General Hospital.
3.23 In the interests of patient and public safety, and to prevent fraudulent applications to courses which lead to entry to a registered profession in the UK, the Faculty of Medicine will wish to share some of the information provided in an applicant’s application form with the Medical Schools Council in order to verify an applicant’s fitness to practise. If a fitness to practise outcome is made against an individual in the future, this information and a copy of the decision against that individual will also be stored on a central database which is accessible only to other schools with courses leading to entry to a registered profession in the UK. It is used only for proper fitness to practise purposes to protect patients and the public. Any offer of study will be conditional on the applicant having disclosed any previous fitness to practise findings made against them, and their giving consent to this use of information. The offer will also be conditional upon an applicant giving consent for a check to be made on the database and for the applicant’s details to be included on the database should a fitness to practise outcome be made against them in the future. An individual has a right to access any information held about them on the database and to correct any errors. Any individual wishing to exercise the right should contact the Medical Schools Council.
